Upgrade (?) From PA20

[scotthayd]

I have a very original little PA20-135 that has a real soft spot in my heart. I learned to fly in it, have been around Alaska in it, down to the states and back.

It is a sweet flyer, economical, fun... But not very fast (climb prop) and not a 4 person plane if you want to carry anything more than a sack lunch.

So I'm looking for a new airplane.

I want to be able to go places with my family and and have room for camping gear. It doesn't necessarily have to operate out of short strips with 4 people and gear, but that would be a big plus. I live in Alaska and want to be able to go hunting in it. Also the pacer doesn't do great crossing the Alaska range with a load, so that would be a plus. I would like to be able to make it to my home town of Lake Minchumina and back a couple of times a year without having to worry if I can make it up to 9000 ft with a load.

I have considered a PA22/20 for the bigger baggage area and engine. (With Alaska mods). No short strips with big loads, but with a climb prop not a bad performer.

I have also considered a Stinson (do they really stall at 65 mph?)or aeronica sedan - either one with an engine upgrade.

But on paper what looks most appealing to me is a maule, maybe on floats. It sounds like it out performs a 180 at a lower cost, would haul my family, and is a short field performer.

Any comments or experience with the above models (or others) would be appreciated.

[Pacer 24C]

For any substantial difference in performance - You would need a Maule with a 235 or a Cessna 180. The Maule could be had for alittle less money and have the advantage of a Lycoming engine.

[mmoyle]

I'd go for the basic version of the M7 with the O-360 and a constant speed prop. 1050 pounds useful. 15k ceiling. Being in Alaska...greater air density during the winter months...


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[alaskadrifter]

Why not upgrade engines?

[scotthayd]

The 1950 pacer I have has a much smaller baggage area than the later models. Unless carrying people I always run out of room before maxing out weight. No baggage upgrade available.

[mmoyle]

Since in Alaska.... We can carry external loads.... Sure would like to come up with a belly pod.....


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[PACERGUY]

The only major downside of the Maul is getting parts. I learned to fly in a Pacer so am a big fan of the shorting. Loading gear and people into a maul would be easier. How about a big tire 182?

[tloes]

Sure would like to come up with a belly pod...

I'm quite surprised this hasn't been done already. Unfortunately in all of my "image sleuthing" around the internet I've not seen a snapshot of one yet (mounted to PA20 or PA22). I've also imagined a "camping cot" mounted in place of the right seat and haven't seen that either. There's an article or two about a Pacer where one of the rear cross-braces was made removable to extend the baggage area for camping. Was that Jim Younkin's?

[rsrguy3]

182.....Omg!!!!!! $$$$$$$

[scotthayd]

The 182 seems like a great value. I would like to be able to fly with skis, and that seems like the one drawback. That and the weak nose gear.